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Nigerian writer slams politicians who lack commitment

Nigerian Ayòbámi Adébáyo is publishing her new novel A Spell Of Good Things ahead of the 2023 general election. The book explores Nigeria’s transition back to democracy in 2000.

In little more than two weeks, Nigerian voters will take part in the country’s general elections. Tensions are already high in the country, as almost 100 million Nigerians prepare to choose their next president, as well as hundreds of other elected officials.

The award-winning Nigerian novelist Ayòbámi Adébáyo’s new novel is well timed. A Spell of Good Things takes a close look at politics in Nigeria, through the eyes of a teenage boy from a poor family, and a young female doctor from a rich family around the time of the transition back to democracy in 2000.

Âé¶¹Éç Newsday asked her what Nigerians could expect from the real, non-fictional election due in a fortnight.

"There's a scarcity right now... a cash crunch. I'm a little nervous right now. I really hope [the elections] can go ahead without incident. What many people have resorted to is having to buy money... which is ridiculous. The book is concerned with... how do big decisions influence lives of people? Often times access, wealth and privilege can give the illusion of insulation from the bad decisions... made in government. The book tries to illuminate that, in so much as we live in the same society, we do have some form of collective destiny."

(Pic: Ayòbámi Adébáyo; Credit: Tomiwa Adébáyo)

Release date:

Duration:

5 minutes